1964 TИte dhomme barbu II Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The drawing presents a fragmented portrait of a bearded man in profile. The artist employs a limited palette of black, white, yellow, pink, and grey pastels, applied with energetic strokes that contribute to a sense of immediacy and raw emotion. The figures face is deconstructed into geometric planes and sharp angles, characteristic of a style prioritizing conceptual representation over realistic depiction.
The beard, rendered in thick, dark lines, dominates the lower portion of the composition, its texture suggested by short, agitated strokes. Above it, the mouth is depicted as an open oval, seemingly emitting sound or expression. The nose is reduced to a series of angular planes, while the eye, positioned high on the face, appears large and intensely focused, conveying a sense of melancholy or introspection.
The background is minimally defined, consisting primarily of loose pastel markings that create a hazy atmosphere. These marks seem almost random, yet they contribute to the overall feeling of instability and psychological complexity. The hair, rendered in swirling lines and patches of color, appears unruly and unkempt, further emphasizing the subject’s emotional state.
The subtexts within this drawing suggest an exploration of identity and inner turmoil. The fragmentation of the face implies a sense of alienation or a fractured self. The intense gaze suggests vulnerability and perhaps a confrontation with internal struggles. The use of pastels lends a softness to the image, contrasting with the harshness of the lines and creating a tension between fragility and strength. Ultimately, the drawing conveys a powerful emotional resonance through its unconventional representation of human form.